Action learning for community development in a Korean context

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this case study was to examine the success factors of a leadership development program using action learning for self-governance members in the city of Bucheon in Korea, as well as the distinctive features of action learning for community development in comparison with action learning for business. To that end, we conducted 22 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (action learning participants, practitioners, and facilitators) and a survey with 39 participants from 2016 to 2018. Based on the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, we identified four themes: outcomes, advantages, success factors, and suggestions. We found that action learning for community development requires us to factor in the importance of understanding its unique contextual differences compared to action learning for business. We provide implications for research and practice as well as the study limitations.